Reincarnated as an Evil Harem God

But then Sylvaris slipped the gemstone back into his storage.

The merchant nearly collapsed. His knees buckled, his mouth opened like he'd just watched a god toss heaven into a ditch.

"Maybe it's too little," Sylvaris said, voice smooth, eyes gleaming with mock thoughtfulness. "Might not be worth much after all..."

"N-Not at all! Not at all!" the merchant stammered, practically shaking. "How about this—I'll give you that woman for the gem. Just her. No tricks. We use gems here, after all. It's what we base our currency on... and that one..."

He swallowed hard, sweat dripping past his ears.

"That much... yeah... that would be more than enough for her." Honestly, I'd sell the whole damn cage for a block like that.

The smile on the merchant's face couldn't hide the fire in his eyes. He looked like he was moments away from selling his soul, just for the chance to see that gem one more time.

"I'll give you half," Sylvaris said sheepishly, playing the fool with innocent eyes.

And then, with a flick of his fingers, he pulled out the gem again.

But this time, the entire caravan saw something else—why his threats earlier hadn't been bluffs. The gemstone split in two in less time than it takes to blink. A single clean cut, effortless and precise. One half vanished back into his system storage, while the other remained cradled in his palm, glowing faintly like living fire.

The fat man said nothing, but his face said it all.

He understood now. Sylvaris wasn't just dangerous, he was sharp. He had seen right through him. And for a merchant, that wasn't just terrifying... it was humbling.

The worst kind of enemy. But maybe, just maybe, the best kind of ally.

"Hahaha!" The merchant's laughter roared through the camp, loud enough to shake the leaves off nearby trees. Women in the cages flinched, some covering their ears from the sheer volume—but not her. Not the one Sylvaris had chosen. She just stared.

"Unlock the cage! Let our little princess out!" the merchant barked, pointing directly at her. "She's got herself a new master today. And dress her in something worthy—expensive. She's valuable merchandise now!"

His lackeys rushed to obey as he turned to Sylvaris, his eyes gleaming with a mix of greed and glee.

"Come to my carriage, young master. Let's talk business. While my men get your new slave ready, I'll treat you to a fine meal—only the best! Come, come!" He clapped Sylvaris on the back again, laughing loud enough to make the ground rumble beneath their boots.

Sylvaris stepped into the carriage and settled in, stretching out like he belonged there. A low table stood at the center, and within moments, it was covered in what this world considered luxury—smoked sausages, aged cheese, fresh bread, crisp vegetables, and strong alcohol. To him, it looked like the kind of feast village folk would scrape together for a wedding back in his past life, but here? It was a banquet. A sign of honor.

"Now then... let me take a look at that half of a gem," the fat man said, practically vibrating with impatience.

Sylvaris handed it over without a word.

The merchant snatched it like a child offered candy, pulling out a magnifying lens with shaking fingers. He leaned close, inspecting every angle, lips parted, breath hot, saliva trailing from the corner of his mouth. He was lost in it—utterly entranced.

Meanwhile, Sylvaris gave the food a casual sniff. No poison. Nothing suspicious. Good.

He tore into it.

He hadn't eaten properly in a while, and hunger gnawed at him with sharp teeth. Every bite hit like relief. Warm, rich, satisfying. He drank, chewed, and let the tension drain from his limbs—never taking his eyes off the merchant, who still hadn't said a word.

I know I'm probably losing more than I should... but sometimes you've got to bleed a little to get something good. It's like paying for an SSS-rank beauty in a gacha game—you burn through the trash for a chance at the jackpot.

Honestly, I should count myself lucky this fat bastard took the bait. If gold's worthless in this continent, then until I find a way to escape, I'll need to figure out a new way to make coin. At least I had that gem tucked away. I remember showing it to my father once—he said it was worth five gold coins at best. Five. And now? It could probably buy me a damn empire here.

Well, whatever. It's an investment. I've still got half left for later.

Sylvaris leaned back in the plush seat, letting the food warm his belly as he watched the merchant obsess over the gem. No rush. He had time. And he was curious to hear what final words would come from the man's mouth once the drooling stopped.

"It's... amazing," the merchant whispered, eyes glued to the gem like it was holy. "This stone is extremely pure..."

He wanted it. That much was clear. But more than that—he wanted to stay in Sylvaris's good graces.

"This is far too much, honestly. How about I throw in a few extra women to accompany you? Looking at how you're built, one a night wouldn't be enough, am I right?" He gave Sylvaris a greasy, knowing grin.

"No need," Sylvaris replied smoothly, sipping his drink. "But if you can offer me a map of this continent—and maybe exchange a few more gems for local currency so I can move freely between towns—we have a deal."

To the merchant, it was like music from heaven.

"Yes! Yes, of course! That's easy to arrange!"

They talked for a while longer, the fat man chatting eagerly now that Sylvaris had opened up, spilling bits of information about the region. They were in the kingdom of Narethys—a tyrannical nation ruled by a powerful king. This land sat on the edge of the demon territories, and raids from across the border were a constant threat. Villages burned. Border cities lived in fear. It wasn't a land of peace—it was a boiling cauldron of conflict.

Then, a knock.

"Sir, we've prepared the slave."

The voice came from outside the carriage, polite but eager.

Sylvaris set his drink down. The time had come to finally meet the woman he'd chosen. And soon, he'd understand why she had drawn his eyes so fiercely in the first place.